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TheBookMother (105 KP) rated Because You'll Never Meet Me in Books
May 13, 2019
Electric charged teen angst meets Stranger Things sci fi
We've all heard that it is easier to tell a stranger something than it is your own family before but Because We'll Never Meet takes this onto a unique new level.
Ollie and Moritz are introduced as penpals and we find out they both have very special gifts that connects them together.
Throughout the story we begin to find out more about their interesting lives such as Ollie being allergic to electric and living in the woods, and Moritz being somewhat of a Daredevil character who has no eyes but can read and see despite this.
We begin to learn about their lives and the complex emotions that they are battling alongside the normal teenage angst.
Both are very isolated and alone with only each other for comfort. They each give one another a purpose in writing letters.
They find solace in one another and it really is endearing how they encourage and empower one another and confess their deepest darkest feelings that they feel they cannot speak to anyone else about.
The plot comes to a head when Moritz reveals how the boys are connected and there fall out on both sides changes both of the boys' lives forever.
You cannot help but love the characters and the humour element is one that is quite surprising but makes for a great read.
The hints towards how the boys' are connected is present throughout which makes you want to find out more and more.
I really did enjoy the book and it did remind me slightly of Stranger Things with a sci fi experiment feel to it and I very much appreciated the Marvel / superhero references.
This book highlights and brings home the troubles of finding yourself and where you fit in as a teenager but also that you shouldn't be ashamed of who you are no matter how different you may be.
It is fairly different from what I've read recently and I thoroughly enjoyed how the author set the tone and pace of the book.
It is certainly worth a read and makes you think twice about things we all likely take for granted everyday such as friendship, sight and electricity!
Ollie and Moritz are introduced as penpals and we find out they both have very special gifts that connects them together.
Throughout the story we begin to find out more about their interesting lives such as Ollie being allergic to electric and living in the woods, and Moritz being somewhat of a Daredevil character who has no eyes but can read and see despite this.
We begin to learn about their lives and the complex emotions that they are battling alongside the normal teenage angst.
Both are very isolated and alone with only each other for comfort. They each give one another a purpose in writing letters.
They find solace in one another and it really is endearing how they encourage and empower one another and confess their deepest darkest feelings that they feel they cannot speak to anyone else about.
The plot comes to a head when Moritz reveals how the boys are connected and there fall out on both sides changes both of the boys' lives forever.
You cannot help but love the characters and the humour element is one that is quite surprising but makes for a great read.
The hints towards how the boys' are connected is present throughout which makes you want to find out more and more.
I really did enjoy the book and it did remind me slightly of Stranger Things with a sci fi experiment feel to it and I very much appreciated the Marvel / superhero references.
This book highlights and brings home the troubles of finding yourself and where you fit in as a teenager but also that you shouldn't be ashamed of who you are no matter how different you may be.
It is fairly different from what I've read recently and I thoroughly enjoyed how the author set the tone and pace of the book.
It is certainly worth a read and makes you think twice about things we all likely take for granted everyday such as friendship, sight and electricity!
BadgerMuffin (48 KP) rated Dungeon in a Box! in Tabletop Games
Jun 2, 2019
Good Value (1 more)
Bonus Gifts
It Does What It Says On The Box.
Dungeon in a Box! Is a monthly subscription based service which works as an add-on to DnD. This service is fantastic and I cannot compliment it enough.
Firstly, each month you get a new game which follows an ongoing storyline. (However they can all be run as single games).
In the Box:
-A DM's manual
-2 X Reaper/Bones Mini's
-1 X Map (Double sided)
- Multiple Acrylic Mini's
-Dungeon tiles
So starting with the DM's Manual. Most boxes come with a 20-30 page book. This book is hugely detailed and contains the full story for the month in intense detail. Many tables (which I for one will be using in other games), Different encounter sheets, and full stats and descriptions of the Main NPC's.
The Reaper/Bones minis provided in the box do not correlate to the game in the box. However they are a nice touch, as it allows you to improve your Mini collection, and gives you Minis most players will not already own.
The map is printed on high quality ~120gsm paper. This map is highly detailed and the print quality is incredible. (In the first box you also receive a map of the world). The map is 24"x18" in size, so a decent battlefield. These have great reusability, the only downside is that you cannot use dry erase markers on them. (However this is a small issue in comparison).
You get a sheet of minis that can be flat packed very quickly. The print quality on them is great and as they can be dismantled, they require very little space for storage. My only downside of these is they are not the strongest, so when fitting the bases you need to push them down while using a table to avoid them snapping. (However if like me you did that and they still snap, they will send you replacement minis free of charge. GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE!!)
Finally the dungeon tiles. These are again very highly printed and are printed on a ~800gsm cardboard. Sturdy and robust these tiles are all double sided and scaled to the inch so you can reuse them for many games.
TL;DR
-Good Quality
-Good Value
-Reusable Supplies
-Great Customer Service
Firstly, each month you get a new game which follows an ongoing storyline. (However they can all be run as single games).
In the Box:
-A DM's manual
-2 X Reaper/Bones Mini's
-1 X Map (Double sided)
- Multiple Acrylic Mini's
-Dungeon tiles
So starting with the DM's Manual. Most boxes come with a 20-30 page book. This book is hugely detailed and contains the full story for the month in intense detail. Many tables (which I for one will be using in other games), Different encounter sheets, and full stats and descriptions of the Main NPC's.
The Reaper/Bones minis provided in the box do not correlate to the game in the box. However they are a nice touch, as it allows you to improve your Mini collection, and gives you Minis most players will not already own.
The map is printed on high quality ~120gsm paper. This map is highly detailed and the print quality is incredible. (In the first box you also receive a map of the world). The map is 24"x18" in size, so a decent battlefield. These have great reusability, the only downside is that you cannot use dry erase markers on them. (However this is a small issue in comparison).
You get a sheet of minis that can be flat packed very quickly. The print quality on them is great and as they can be dismantled, they require very little space for storage. My only downside of these is they are not the strongest, so when fitting the bases you need to push them down while using a table to avoid them snapping. (However if like me you did that and they still snap, they will send you replacement minis free of charge. GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE!!)
Finally the dungeon tiles. These are again very highly printed and are printed on a ~800gsm cardboard. Sturdy and robust these tiles are all double sided and scaled to the inch so you can reuse them for many games.
TL;DR
-Good Quality
-Good Value
-Reusable Supplies
-Great Customer Service
Little Ray Of Sunshine (41 KP) rated The Guardian in Books
Jan 11, 2019 (Updated Feb 10, 2019)
Book Review | The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks
Nicholas Sparks is a well known author as some of hes books have been made into films. If you don't know the author or what book have been turned into a film they are the following The Notebook, The Best Of Me, Dear John, The Longest Ride, The Last Song, Safe Haven, The Choice, The Lucky One, A Walk to Remember, Message In A Bottle and Nights in Rodanthe. All these films I have seen but I aint read the books yet. But I am a type where I always think back to the actors in the film and can't imagine my own imaginary character.
But when I saw this book on Amazon I thought why not read more of hes books because I've read A Bend in the Road I love how he grips me with twist and turns that what this book The Guardian is like. But the only differences its more of a love story with a thriller story entwined.
The story is about Julie who is widowed early into her marriage as her husband Jim had cancer and passed away. Jim left her two unexpected gifts one is a puppy Great Dane called Singer and also to tell her to find someone who she can spend her life with (her late husband's best friend Mike). Mike is a down-to-earth guy but someone else grabs her eyes called Richard hes charming he comes to her work (shes a hairdresser) but she doesn't know that hes a obsessed with her and starts stalking her and taking photos of her. But through the story Mike his there to help her remember her late husband and Singer the dog is her 'Guardian'. They also form a bond Singer and Mike and the dog only trusts him not Richard. But Julie starts getting feelings for Mike and calls off her relationship with Richard. He doesn't like this so the character gets darker and plots you will have to read the book to find out the ending.
Sorry but I don't like giving away spoilers so go and buy the copy and find out what you think.
Q. Have you read any Nicholas Sparks' books, If so which ones have you read?
P.S I have purchased another book of hes called True Believer. Can't wait to get into it after I've read Professor Green Autobiography called Lucky.
But when I saw this book on Amazon I thought why not read more of hes books because I've read A Bend in the Road I love how he grips me with twist and turns that what this book The Guardian is like. But the only differences its more of a love story with a thriller story entwined.
The story is about Julie who is widowed early into her marriage as her husband Jim had cancer and passed away. Jim left her two unexpected gifts one is a puppy Great Dane called Singer and also to tell her to find someone who she can spend her life with (her late husband's best friend Mike). Mike is a down-to-earth guy but someone else grabs her eyes called Richard hes charming he comes to her work (shes a hairdresser) but she doesn't know that hes a obsessed with her and starts stalking her and taking photos of her. But through the story Mike his there to help her remember her late husband and Singer the dog is her 'Guardian'. They also form a bond Singer and Mike and the dog only trusts him not Richard. But Julie starts getting feelings for Mike and calls off her relationship with Richard. He doesn't like this so the character gets darker and plots you will have to read the book to find out the ending.
Sorry but I don't like giving away spoilers so go and buy the copy and find out what you think.
Q. Have you read any Nicholas Sparks' books, If so which ones have you read?
P.S I have purchased another book of hes called True Believer. Can't wait to get into it after I've read Professor Green Autobiography called Lucky.
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated Jaguar (Painter Place Saga, #3) in Books
Nov 4, 2019
Can the man who once left Caroline behind now be trusted to rescue her? Caroline and Chad Gregory are happy on their island home at Painter Place. But an old vendetta against them puts Caroline in terrible danger. Her enemies are closing in, and the future of Painter Place is at stake. Her only hope of escape is a man known as the jaguar, a legendary international operative-and the ex-boyfriend who once leftCaroline behind. Even if he and a miracle can save her, Caroline will never be the same sheltered woman who has been groomed from childhood to inherit the island. Social Media post idea starters (see attached photos to share): Can the man who once left Caroline Painter behind now be trusted to rescue her? If Caroline's prayers to return to Painter Place are answered, can she adjust to the ordinary after a week of the extraordinary? (For reviewers who want to play up a missionary-minded point of view in the novel)In desperation, a wandering tribe in the Amazon tested the God of the Shining Woman who left her drawings as gifts for them in the darkness. The Jaguar lived his life as if it began only five years ago, with his first memories. He did not expect to live five more. But a dangerous mission stirs resurfacing memories and compromises his ability to rescue the only woman he ever loved-and left behind.
My Thoughts: This is the continuing saga of Painter Place, where there is no shortage of drama. In this episode we find Caroline abducted and taken into the jungle to escape the cartel. The thing is, it is her former boyfriend whom Caroline thought to be dead that is her rescuer. How will this affect her marriage? Will she ever get home to her family and children?
This is a fast-paced novel that will keep the reader on the edge until the very end. Pamela Poole writes her books that will make the reader think. Always full of valuable lessons for all of us to consider. I enjoyed meeting new characters and of course meeting up with some old ones. I do believe that the author was trying to convey how powerful our prayers can be; and enjoyed reading about the jaguar. I certainly look forward to her next book in the series.
?????
My Thoughts: This is the continuing saga of Painter Place, where there is no shortage of drama. In this episode we find Caroline abducted and taken into the jungle to escape the cartel. The thing is, it is her former boyfriend whom Caroline thought to be dead that is her rescuer. How will this affect her marriage? Will she ever get home to her family and children?
This is a fast-paced novel that will keep the reader on the edge until the very end. Pamela Poole writes her books that will make the reader think. Always full of valuable lessons for all of us to consider. I enjoyed meeting new characters and of course meeting up with some old ones. I do believe that the author was trying to convey how powerful our prayers can be; and enjoyed reading about the jaguar. I certainly look forward to her next book in the series.
?????
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated The Angry Birds Movie (2016) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
The new kids’ movie Angry Birds is a joint venture between Columbia Pictures and Rovio Animation.
I did not hold high hopes for this movie when I went to screen it, and really only went because I knew my 7 year old son would want to see it.
It has a wide range of actors and actresses voicing the characters: Jason Sudeikis as Red, Josh Gad as Chuck, Danny McBride as Bomb, Maya Rudolph as Matilda, Bill Hader as Leonard, Peter Dinklage as Mighty Eagle, Sean Penn as Terence, and Blake Shelton as Earl Pig.
If you have ever played the game by the same name, you will recognize the characters, as well as the soundtrack music.
It was a decent (kids) story, and the movie is certainly colorful and fast paced. In my opinion, the 3-D aspect helped.
We follow the main character, Red, as he tried to fit into a happy, steady society, that frowns upon and even penalizes outburst of bad temper, whether they are warranted or not.
He blows up at a customer, and has to go to court, where he is sentenced to anger management classes. The instructor, Matilda, has a hard time getting through to him and gets frustrated with his inability to control his anger responses.
In the middle of Red’s classes, the Pigs show up, bearing “gifts” and acting as if they are the Birds best friends. Red is suspicious and tries to both investigate to find out more, as well as warn the other birds that the pigs are after more than being “best friends”, but is shut down time after time as his warnings fall on deaf ears.
In the end, Red is right, and must organize a rescue. Ironically, he must encourage the other Birds to harness their anger in order to use it to help rescue their eggs.
I thought the movie was cute, and fun for a family afternoon out. I probably would not take very very young kids to it, more in the age group of 6 or 7 and up, but for my son it was just fine, and it was fun for him because he recognized the characters both from the game as well as the cartoon shorts that are on the internet.
For a family movie, I would give Angry Birds 2.75 out of 5 stars.
I did not hold high hopes for this movie when I went to screen it, and really only went because I knew my 7 year old son would want to see it.
It has a wide range of actors and actresses voicing the characters: Jason Sudeikis as Red, Josh Gad as Chuck, Danny McBride as Bomb, Maya Rudolph as Matilda, Bill Hader as Leonard, Peter Dinklage as Mighty Eagle, Sean Penn as Terence, and Blake Shelton as Earl Pig.
If you have ever played the game by the same name, you will recognize the characters, as well as the soundtrack music.
It was a decent (kids) story, and the movie is certainly colorful and fast paced. In my opinion, the 3-D aspect helped.
We follow the main character, Red, as he tried to fit into a happy, steady society, that frowns upon and even penalizes outburst of bad temper, whether they are warranted or not.
He blows up at a customer, and has to go to court, where he is sentenced to anger management classes. The instructor, Matilda, has a hard time getting through to him and gets frustrated with his inability to control his anger responses.
In the middle of Red’s classes, the Pigs show up, bearing “gifts” and acting as if they are the Birds best friends. Red is suspicious and tries to both investigate to find out more, as well as warn the other birds that the pigs are after more than being “best friends”, but is shut down time after time as his warnings fall on deaf ears.
In the end, Red is right, and must organize a rescue. Ironically, he must encourage the other Birds to harness their anger in order to use it to help rescue their eggs.
I thought the movie was cute, and fun for a family afternoon out. I probably would not take very very young kids to it, more in the age group of 6 or 7 and up, but for my son it was just fine, and it was fun for him because he recognized the characters both from the game as well as the cartoon shorts that are on the internet.
For a family movie, I would give Angry Birds 2.75 out of 5 stars.
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